​Mary Ludwig Hays was born on October 13, 1754. Historians argue over where she was born, but she was either born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. She grew up in a small, modest
household and her parents were German immigrants. It was unlikely that she would have learned to read or write during this time. When she was in her early twenties, she married a barber named
William Hays. Hays decided to enlist in the 4th Pennsylvania Artillery and served in the Continental Army when the American Revolutionary War began.

​During the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, Hays allegedly solidified her legacy as an American hero. Historians report that about fifty soldiers died of thirst and dehydration that day. This meant that as many men died from heat exhaustion as they did from gunfire. Hays went back and forth into the battle to bring water to thirsty soldiers from a nearby spring. She stayed on the battlefield bringing water and caring for wounded soldiers until her own husband got hurt.
When her husband was wounded during this battle, she made the decision to take his place at the cannon and began firing. After the battle, legend has it that George Washington asked about the courageous woman who was on the battlefield and promoted her to a non-commissioned officer. For this reason, Hays carried the nickname “Sergeant Molly.”

West Virginia’s War was the Real War:

Some Myths and Misunderstandings about the state created by the U.S. Civil War

West Virginia’s Civil War story is unique, and it is uniquely misunderstood. While it shares some common experiences with the border states of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, it was unique in that it was the only state created by the conflict. Questions remain about why Virginia’s northwest separated from the Old Dominion after it joined the Confederacy. And in older, traditional military histories of the Civil War, West Virginia is viewed as a sideshow to the real war, to the point where maps of the conflict often don’t assign it to a “theater” of war. This talk will explore some of the central questions about why West Virginia’s separation came to be, what role events in the region had in influencing the outcome of the larger conflict, and why West Virginian’s today still harbor ambiguous feelings about the state’s birth in wartime.  

William Kerrigan is Professor Emeritus of History at Muskingum University in New Concord Ohio. His most recent book is West Virginia’s War: The Civil War in Documents. (Ohio University Press, June 2025) He will have copies available for sale at the talk.

Located in what is today’s Tuscarawas County, Fort Laurens was the only American Continental fort built within the moder day state of Ohio and is our states closest direct link to the American Revolution. Although short lived, you will hear about its history and stories that could play out like a Hollywood movie with the exception that the events that took place and people were real. You will gain an understanding about its complete history which will give you a deeper appreciation for those men, and women, who suffered and fought deep in Ohio’s wilderness to help create a new Nation.

A historian and amateur archaeologist, Douglas earned his education degree in History and Comprehensive Social Studies from West Liberty University and Special Education/Learning Disabilities degree from the University of Akron. Now retired, he taught middle and high school American History/Social Studies for thirty-five years at Brown Local Schools, in Malvern, Ohio.  He is a member and volunteer with the “Ohio History Connection,” and member of the “Malvern Historical Society,” the “Ohio Archaeological Society” (O.A.S.), the “Sugar Creek Chapter” of the O.A.S. , and the “Ohio Valley Military Society.” Douglas is an active member of “The Brigade of the American Revolution” (since 1984), a non-profit, educational, living history organization dedicated to creating the life and times of the common soldier of the American Revolution, and serves on the board of trustees (and was a founding member) of the “Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation” since its creation in 1994. 

Zanesville Civil War Roundtable members share their family connections to the American Civil War.

Several ZCWRT members have done research over the years and discovered that many of our own ancestors served during the American Civil War. During this program, we’ll share some of those stories that, in many cases, have never been told publicly before. The meeting will be somewhat casual, as none of us claim to be professional historians. Still, the experiences we explore together promise to be meaningful, surprising, and deeply personal.

EVENT TO BE RESCHEDULED

Join us for a fun evening of exploring, sharing photos, stories, and memories. We’ll take a nostalgic look at historic snowstorms, winter traditions, and how daily life adapted to the cold. Muskingum County History is happy to partner with the Muskingum County Library System. This event is FREE; registration is appreciated: https://events.muskingumlibrary.org/events?r=range&start=2026-01-28

(Photo source: https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/history/2025/01/07/blizzard-of-78-devastated-muskingum-county-along-with-much-of-ohio/77485505007/)

Discover the revolutionary women of Putnam, Ohio and their contributions to the Underground Railroad through this public talk at the historic Stone Academy. Seats are limited! No admission fee!

Religion shaped the journeys of countless families who crossed the Atlantic in search of freedom. This presentation explores both the European upheavals that pushed people away and the American regions that welcomed them. America has always been a nation of religious diversity. Except for the earliest colonial days, there has never been a “state religion.” Churches not only nurtured communities but also preserved vital records before official state registration, making them invaluable resources for genealogists today.

Peggy, a lifelong genealogist, has been an active teacher and lecturer in the field for many years. Along with her husband, Kerry Lauritzen, she has served as director of their local Family History Center in central Ohio. Miss Peggy, as she is affectionately called, is known among her colleagues for her care and compassion. She is an expert in Ohio, mid-Southern, and Appalachian research and has written several Legacy research guides. She has been a featured writer for Reminisce Magazine and has been an instructor for Ancestry Academy. In 2018, she was elected a fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society.​

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

The waning days of 1862 marked a nadir in the fortunes of the Union. After major defeats at Fredericksburg in Virginia and Chickasaw Bayou in Mississippi, it fell to Major General William S. Rosecrans and his Army of the Cumberland to secure a victory that would give military teeth to the Emancipation Proclamation set to take effect on January 1, 1863. Rosecrans moved his army southeast out of Nashville to Murfreesboro, met General Braxton Bragg's Army of the Tennessee, and fought one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war. Tonight's presentation will discuss how the author assembled his award-winning book about the campaign. 

A graduate of the University of Toledo, Dan Masters is the descendant of five Union veterans of the Civil War and has been deeply involved in studying that conflict since the late 1990s. He has written 14 books, numerous articles, and more than 1,000 blog posts about the Civil War, much of his work focusing on the soldier experience and the Western theater.

 In addition to regularly writing on his blog Dan Masters' Civil War Chronicles, his book Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign was published by Savas Beatie in November 2024 and won the prestigious Richard B. Harwell Award from the Atlanta Civil War Roundtable as best Civil War book of 2024.

A supply chain manager with 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, he currently lives in Perrysburg, Ohio with his wife Amy and four of their six children while his oldest son is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. 

Join us for an illuminating evening as Debbie Deal with the Ohio Genealogical Society brings to life the journey of New England families who ventured westward to Ohio in the early 1800s. Through engaging storytelling and rich historical detail, Deal will explore how these settlers shaped the cultural, civic, and architectural foundations of Muskingum County.

Discover the values they carried, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they left behind—from town planning and education to faith and community spirit.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a genealogy buff, or simply curious about the roots of our region, this program offers a meaningful look at the people who helped build Ohio from the ground up.

This event is free and open to the public

This progrom is in partnership with Ohio University Zanesville and the Muskingum County Library System

Join us in honoring Muskingum’s earliest defenders and storytellers—and rediscover the roots of our shared heritage.

Step into the past with Muskingum 250’s Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery. This guided experience will spotlight the lives and legacies of Muskingum County pioneers, civic leaders, and veterans of the American Revolution and the War of 1812—men and women who helped shape a new nation and whose descendants carried their patriotic spirit forward.

In partnership with the Renner Theatre, costumed actors will portray these early patriots and their families, bringing to life tales of courage, sacrifice, and community-building. Through dramatic monologues and first-person interpretation, visitors will encounter voices from the founding generations and reflect on how their values echo through our county’s 250-year journey.

📚 Interpretive booklets and digital resources will be available.
🌳 Comfortable walking shoes recommended; tour includes gentle hills and shaded paths.

Registration Required:
Space is limited for each time slot. Please register in advance to reserve your preferred tour time and ensure a spot on this immersive historical experience.

Two Tour Times Available:
To accommodate more guests, the Living History Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery will be offered at 1:00 PM and again at 3:00 PM. Each tour will feature the same engaging performances and interpretive storytelling.

"The Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest day in American military history, with over 23.000 casualties.  It was also a lost opportunity for the Union army, as Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia teetered on the brink of collapse several times that day.  Backed up against the Potomac River with only one route for retreat, a country path leading to a lengthy ford, Lee's army survived primarily because of a last-minute attack, but also because Union commander George McClellan had made questionable command decisions in the days leading to the battle, and several more at key moments that day.  Most historians, even those sympathetic to McClellan, have agreed that one final surge at a critical moment that afternoon would have routed Lee's army.  Jacob Cox, the commander of the Union left flank that day, wrote the first substantive histories of the battle and documented these facts.  This program will focus on how Cox, a political general, unexpectedly was in that command position, how he played a key role in the controversy and its history, and how the current debate over these issues continues to evolve." 

 Gene Schmiel is a retired U.S Department of State Foreign Service Officer. Before joining the foreign service, he was an Assistant Professor of History at St. Francis University (PA), specializing in 19th century American History. He holds the Ph.D. degree from The Ohio State University. Gene has written several books on the American Civil War and has spoken to many CW roundtables. Gene and his wife Kathryn reside in Gainesville, Virginia.

After the program Gene will have books for sale and signing.

Kate Masur is a professor at Northwestern University who specializes in the history of race, politics, and law in the United States. She’s the author of Until Justice Be Done: America’s First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History and a New York Times "critics' pick" for 2021.

Kate led a team of students and staff at Northwestern in the creation of Black Organizing in Pre-Civil War Illinois: Creating Community, Demanding Justice, a web exhibit associated with the Colored Conventions Project.

She regularly collaborates with museums and other nonprofits, including the National Park Service, the National Constitution Center, the Newberry Library, and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. She was a key consultant for the 2019 documentary, Reconstruction: America after the Civil War and appeared in the 2021 CNN film, Lincoln: Divided We Stand.

Kate regularly works with K-12 teachers and speaks with the media on topics including the Civil War and Reconstruction, Abraham Lincoln, monuments, and public memory. Her 2010 book, An Example for All the Land: Emancipation and the Struggle over Equality in Washington, DC, was a finalist for the Lincoln Prize. She is co-editor of the Journal of the Civil War Era, published by University of North Carolina Press.

She lives in Evanston, Illinois, with her family.

Robert Colby is an award-winning scholar and teacher of United States history.

 His first book, An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South (Oxford University Press, 2024), won the Nau Book Prize from the John L. Nau III Center for Civil War History, the 2025 nonfiction award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, and was a finalist for the Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize.

 His work on the domestic slave trade during the Civil War previously won the Society of American Historians' Allan Nevins Prize and the Anthony Kaye Memorial Essay Award and Anne J. Bailey Prize from the Society of Civil War Historians. He was also a finalist for the Southern Historical Association's C. Vann Woodward Award. Originally from Virginia (where he grew up walking Civil War battlefields), he is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi.

Intersecting Black, Appalachian, & Ohio History: Southeast Ohio’s Underground Railroad

Presenter: Amanda Flowers, Ph.D.

During America’s legal institution of chattel slavery, everywhere enslavement existed there was resistance through escape and flight, as well as deliberate efforts to liberate the enslaved from bondage. While enslavement in Appalachia did not always fit the southern model, it existed in every Appalachian county south of the Ohio River. In turn, the enslaved began escaping to what would become the Ohio Country as late as the mid-1700s; however, only about half of the Ohio population was anti-slavery while the other half was pro-slavery. It was under these conditions that abolitionists formed secretive networks to help the escaped navigate through Ohio to freedom. Then, around 1814 or 1815, a formal Underground Railroad was conceived in southeast Ohio, through which some freedom seekers crossed the Ohio River in Lawrence and Galia counties, making way north to safety at places like Oak Hill, Jackson, or Berlin Crossroads (Jackson County) when headed towards Albany, Athens, Tablertown, or Amesville (Athens County). Those who had crossed in Meigs county, especially, continued their journey through places like Wilkesville and McArthur (Vinton County) before crossing into Athens County. Others crossed the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers or their connecting terrains in Washington County, taking an array of trails through Little Hocking, Belpre, Constitution, Harmar, Marietta, Newport, or New Matamoris, when in route to Cutler, Mayles Ridge, Bartlett, Barlow, Waterford, Rainbow, Stanleyville, or Lower Salem. Freedom seekers traveled further north to Morgan County, seeking safety at Chesterhill, Pennsville, Stockport, Malta, McConnelsville, Ringold, or Deavertown before heading to places like Paynes Crossing, Crooksville, or Rendville (Perry County). This presentation will showcase some of Southeast Ohio’s Underground Railroad sites, routes, agents, conductors, and brave freedom seekers who partook in the arduous journey.

The Fugitive Slave Act and Its Impact on The Underground Railroad In Southern Ohio

 Presenter William R. Walker is a retired attorney whose research and lectures focus on the African American in the Civil War and late 19th century African American life in Pomeroy and Athens,Ohio.Currently working on a submission to Ohio Governor in support of a posthumous promotion to Captain of African American Civil War Medal Of Honor recipient Milton Holland and researching Athens residents Andrew Jackson Davison, one of the first African American attorneys in Ohio, and his wife, Eliza Brown Davison, escaped slave who was the house servant of General Goerge Armstrong Custer and Elizabeth Custer.

Join Charlotte McElroy, Treasurer of Muskingum County History, for an illuminating talk on the history of Wakatomika—a once-thriving Shawnee village along the Muskingum River—and its dramatic role in the events of Lord Dunmore’s War. Discover how the 1774 conflict between colonial Virginia forces and Indigenous nations shaped the region around present-day Dresden, Ohio, and left lasting marks on its landscape and legacy.

About the Book – To My Best Girl, by Steve Magnusen

If you wish to become immersed in the agony of facing Civil War battles, whether in a volunteer regiment or at home obsessing with dangers your loved one must face, always burdened with the skeptical hope that love for a young girl just might be reciprocated, you are bound to be engrossed in this exquisitely scripted novel. This true story is derived from historical facts and publications, but more so from a great number of archived love letters and journals. It is a fast-paced page-turner as the reader must discover if one survives a battle, if a letter will bring a desired response, or if a railroad will be able to transport loved ones in time for joyous or tragic events. It centers on Rufus Dawes and his heroic service in the Union’s famous Iron Brigade, the remarkable romance from afar involving youthful Mary Gates, the frustrations of family upheaval, the plight of African Americans -  all play a role in this story’s ability to keep the reader totally absorbed. As one reader succinctly remarked:

“I learned what war is and what love should be.”

About the Author

Steve Magnusen enjoyed a nationally recognized management and engineering career in north suburban Chicago after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University. He has led several professional and non-profit organizations, and served fifteen years as an infantry and armor officer in the US Army Reserve.

Steve’s particular interest in the Civil War’s elite “Iron Brigade” led him to diligently research the life of Rufus Dawes, the intrepid young commander of the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and a native of historic Marietta, Ohio. Extensive original documentation not only revealed extraordinary battlefield heroism details heretofore unknown, but also an incredible wartime romance involving young Mary Beman Gates. Steve was motivated to bring their captivating personal saga to life in To My Best Girl.

Steve has presented this inspiring story to many audiences in a variety of venues using PowerPoint, and is named as a 5-star speaker on the Civil War Round Table Congress Speaker Registry. A second book providing more in-depth information on Rufus and younger brother Ephraim Dawes is pending publication, primarily using their own first-person accounts. It is tentatively titled “The Dawes Brothers in Battle”.

How long has your family lived in Muskingum County?  Could they have been among the first to call Zanesville home?  Brooke Anderson from the Muskingum County Genealogical Society will give a presentation about how to discover if your ancestors were among the first residents of Muskingum County, and how to join First Families of Muskingum County.

Curt Radabaugh as
General George Washington

In partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Muskingum 250 is proud to present Curt Radabaugh as General George Washington and Alisa Dupuy as Martha Washington. 

Curt has had a life-long fascination with George Washington and he has achieved his goal of portraying this great man.  A veteran and retired law enforcement officer, Curt seeks to continue his life of service by helping to preserve America's past for a new generation. 

This program is provided through the generosity of the Muskingum County Library System and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce

In partnership with the Muskingum County Library System, Muskingum 250 and Muskingum County History are excited to offer a presentation by Jay Frey about the early history of Wheeling and Fort Henry.  

Wheeling, West Virginia was the first of many cities and towns Ebenezer Zane had a hand in founding, and was the home of many of those who settled in Muskingum County   The battles of Fort Henry in Wheeling were crucial in the American Revolution, but have been mostly forgotten in the course of American history.  Learn about the events that led these battles, who fought them, and what came of them.  Jay will also discuss the heroic acts of Samuel McCulloch, and Betty Zane. 

Born and raised in Wheeling, Jay Frey was educated in Ohio County Public Schools and he is a graduate of Oberlin College. His career as a teacher and later as a fundraising professional took him outside of his home state. In 2010 he returned to the area for an executive position at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. He retired in 2014. With a lifelong passion for local history and genealogy, Jay is involved in a number of organizations reflective of those interests, namely the Fort Henry Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, the Friends of Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage and the newly formed Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation. He has worked as a volunteer to raise up Wheeling’s colonial and Revolutionary legacy hence his interest in Lord Dunmore and Dunmore’s War.

How do you find out if your ancestors served in the military during the American Revolution or the War of 1812?  Brooke Anderson with the Muskingum County Genealogical Society will explore military records that are available in both print and online formats for those time periods.

Brooke Anderson is a native of Pennsylvania who has lived in Muskingum County since 1977. She received her BS in Education and Master of Science in Library Science from Clarion State College (now Penn West Clarion). She was a Library Media Specialist for the Zanesville City Schools for 35 years. Brooke has been conducting genealogy research for over thirty years and currently volunteers as chairman of the Genealogy Library of the Muskingum County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society (MCCOGS). She is a member of MCCOGS, the Ohio Genealogy Society, the Western Pennsylvania Genealogy Society, and the Beaver County (PA) Genealogy and History Center.

The MCCOGS Genealogy Library is currently located in the Ohio University Zanesville Library at Harrold Hall. It will return to the John McIntire Library when the remodeling project is completed. The hours are 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (unless OUZ is closed for holiday).

Join us for a Tour of Zanesville’s iconic Woodlawn Cemetery!

Step into the past on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 PM, as we explore one of Muskingum County’s most historic landmarks. Established in 1853, Woodlawn Cemetery is not only a place of rest but also a treasure trove of local and national history.

This guided walking tour will take you through the beautifully preserved grounds, highlighting the stories of prominent figures connected to the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and Ohio’s early history who shaped Zanesville and beyond. An array of community leaders and their enduring monuments, the cemetery tells tales of bravery, resilience, and artistry.

Hear captivating stories about the lives and legacies of the patriots and pioneers buried here.

This event is perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the fascinating heritage of Zanesville.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Woodlawn Cemetery, 500 Pershing Rd, Zanesville, Ohio - Parking is available on Weller Avenue, and group will meet at Cemetery Office
Cost: FREE

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an inquisitive spirit.

Let the echoes of history guide you on this unforgettable afternoon tour of Woodlawn Cemetery. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Zanesville’s rich past in a serene and beautiful setting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is provided in partnership with the Renner Theatre and the Muskingum County Library System

Rebecca Carr, Muskingum 250 Committee Chair and Muskingum County History Board member, will share newly discovered information about the early life of John McIntire.  In addition, Rebecca will also speak about his many accomplishments, struggles, and the legacy he has left to the people of Zanesville since his death.  The lives and legacies of his wife, Sarah McIntire Young, and daughter, Amelia McIntire, will also be discussed. 

Have you been interested in knowing more about where you live? Join Muskingum County History Board members, Dr. Lacey Hull and Charlotte McElroy, to learn about the top 10 events/stories of Dresden.

Seating is limited; pregistration is required.

https://events.muskingumlibrary.org/event/12644458

Muskingum County History Executive Director, Dr. Larisa Harper, will share the flood’s impact, stories of survival, and the lasting effects on the region.

Explore the history of the Putnam Female Seminary and meet the key Putnam women from the 1800s with Muskingum County History Board member, Dr. Lacey Hull, and Executive Director, Dr. Larisa Harper.

Seating is limited, preregistration is required.

WAITING LIST: https://events.muskingumlibrary.org/event/12540167

Explore the history of the Putnam Female Seminary and meet the key Putnam women from the 1800s with Muskingum County History Board member, Dr. Lacey Hull, and Executive Director, Dr. Larisa Harper.

Seating is limited, preregistration is required.

WAITING LIST: https://events.muskingumlibrary.org/event/12574024

Peter Cultice, president of Muskingum County History, will share the stories of Joshua Simpson, Frederick Douglass, Branch Rickey, and Charles Thomas. These men had common challenges, but they refused to be deterred from their goals and dreams.

John M. Barr, author of Zane’s Trace: A New Road in a New Country, will discuss the history of the Zane’s Trace as well as its importance to Ohio. Mr. Barr will share the story and the documents that describe the history and location of the Zane’s Trace. 

Special thanks to the National Rd-Zane Grey Museum and the Muskingum County Library System

This talk, “Visions of the New Nation in the Northwest Territory,” examines Marietta as a cultural heritage site that serves a crucial role in redefining American collective history by reconstructing a national identity based on the Northwest Ordinance, one of the most important, progressive, and far-reaching legislative acts in American history. By using the interlinked aspects of place, Marietta’s importance as the “first organized settlement of the Northwest Territory” illustrates how it became the birthplace of equality through the preservation of the public domain. This is in contrast with the myth of freedom and independence of a seemingly limitless land. The lessons learned from Marietta as “place,” then, expands the American narrative by challenging our understanding of territorial expansion within the United States in the early nineteenth century.

Dr. Brandon Downing focuses on early American history, particularly Native-white relations along the frontier. He has taught courses in U.S. History (both to 1877 and after 1877), Colonial America, American Revolutionary Era, Native American History, Atlantic World, Professional Historian, and Introduction to Public History. His current book manuscript is “‘Barbarous Tribes of Savages’: Violence and Conflict on the Periphery of Empire in the Colonial Mid-Atlantic, 1750-1776.” Prior to working at Marietta, Dr. Downing was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi.

This event has been made possible by the assistance of the Ohio Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.